Re: KSA Job Offer
 

I see. Well it's worked out nicely for you. Hope you have a safe journey :D

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

So, we are in Al Nakhla currently. I’ve got no frame of reference, but it seems fairly quiet. Plenty of cars here, but the communal areas are not crowded at all. We won’t be staying here long term, but a guy who came out with us has two kids and has been doing a lot of research and visits. A 3 bed villa here is about 230k SAR, and they are almost fully occupied so not much scope for negotiation. They are leaning towards Arizona next door as they prefer the layout and things like the golf course and farm are plus points.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Glad you made it there safe and sound.

I will have to check Arizona again. I heard it was a very "American" compound. Is that true or like most is it really mixed?

Do you mind telling me which agency you got your visa with and how long that process was? I am no going through this myself. And which Visa did you apply for. I am going for work but taking family with me. Do I need to apply twice? Or does the work visa have a section for family members?

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

I think it’s pretty mixed. Of the guys I know that are going two are German and one American.. The thing that sold it was the golf course and the farm animals, which are great for their kids.

We used Gulf Visa, but we got some special evisa which I don’t think they are doing any more. They had no idea what it was when we arrived, which was fun at 3 in the morning. I’m not working and I’m just on the wife’s application, although I didn’t see what the application was like. It was certainly all done together. We should be transferring to an Iqama soon I hope - can’t get a bank account until we do.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

That was a rapid reply!
The farm at Arizona does look good and my drive could use some work - may have sold it to me.

So does that mean you and the kids didn't need to do the medical?
We are targeting an end of Nov, early Dec date. Got so many forms and documents to have attested! Such a pain.

I got a HSBC account in the UK as I saw they are in Saudi under the SABB name, if that's any help.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Watching football on the iPad and it’s half time :-)

We are on a 12 month, 90 day visa at the moment. No medical to get that, but we will need one soon as we transfer over to the Iqama. Just us, no kids. They take their time with the documents - we’ve had to have them sent to Riyadh as they still have them.

SABB have been recommended to us, so we will open one when we can.

One tip I’ve learnt since being here - if your phone can handle it you can get an esim with a Saudi provider. That means you can keep your existing UK sim if you want to hold on to your number and use it when you go back etc. You have a primary and secondary line on the same phone. I’d do this as soon as possible for Uber, maps and stuff.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

That's a quality tip, thanks!

Seems a little easier or dare I say simpler process before you got to Saudi. Well hopefully the work upfront means less when we get there too.

Keep us posted on the resort and any pics or details on the quality and size of the rooms will be a great help, but not to worry you've been mighty helpful already.

thanks :)

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Don't know if it was a Saudi who recommended SABB to you, but they tend to tell you what they think you might want to hear. You're British, this is the British bank kind of thing.

For myself and others I know SABB were terrible. For day to day stuff they got done need to go into a branch for they're fine, but when you do have to go into a branch they're terrible. Long waiting times being the worst problem. My record was 3 hours.

I would recommend NCB, or find out who your company banks with, and what relationship if any they have with your bank in the UK.

If you're transferring through an intermediary to the UK its going to cost you more.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Have a look at the Al Nakhla Instagram page, they are better than my pics. I’m in a 2 bed villa at the moment, which is a decent size - 2 living rooms, 2 en-suite, maid’s room etc. The guys who are going to Arizona preferred the layout of the villas there, which are more open plan.

Have a look at Antara. It’s a new one that opened last month so occupancy is low and you might get a deal. Look nice, I was going to visit but it’s easier for me here.

Not Saudis, Americans who have been out here for a while. They use SABB. The mentioned we’d get a relationship manager? Haven’t looked properly yet as we don’t have the Iqama. I’ll check NCB out though, thanks.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

I'll look at Antara. I need to make sure I can get to work easily. And I've heard that the Al hamra campus of the Biritish International School is full and so they've opened a new campus at the Democratic Quarters. Anything you hear on this will help me.

Also, found out today that as I will be working with a Private company I have to fly out first, get an iqama and then fly them out... more pain!

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Ah, that is painful... Hopefully flights will have opened up a bit now. Some of the guys in the group we came out with had to fly from places like Japan and Georgia to Heathrow then out to Riyadh as it was the only route available.

I don’t know much about schools, other than that I’ve been told that the BIS has recently improved in quality and is now better than the American one. Anecdotal, but may be why they are expanding. Antara is near the Diplomatic Quarter. Traffic is certainly interesting... My wife spoke to someone who moved from Arizona because the journey to school and then the office was not good, but some people have drivers specifically for that.

Sorry, I don’t have much info re kids and stuff as it’s just the two of us.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Banking - use the same bank as your employer

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Would that be preferable if you want or need to send money back to the UK? Need to pay mortgage, other bills/loans etc...

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Don't apologise you've been mighty helpful. I wonder how much a driver costs?! What kind of cars are you seeing on the road. My wife thinks we need a large 4x4 for family. I am keen on porsche for myself :D - why not hey!

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Almost exclusively 4x4s, certainly in the compound, although I’ve already seen Mclarens, Aston Martins and Corvettes. I would get something big to be honest - the traffic is mental. You’ll want to be in something sturdy. In our second week someone in a saloon piled into the back of the wife’s Chevy Suburban at high speed. She was fine but the saloon was written off. Never seen the like of the driving!!

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Not sure, but apparently you can get a live in maid for around 8k USD a year...

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Think i'll leave the porsche in the garage. I had my eyes on Nissans Infinity range. They have gorgeous well spec'd out 4x4's.
8k! really! Now that's tempting... Would prefer them to visit than to live in but still reasonable considering we want to grow our family out there.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

There are loads of Toyota FJ Cruisers about, which look like fun. No idea how they drive though.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Do you plan on doing any off-road driving? The HR rep said to buy new in Dec when there are loads of deal - Hope that helps. I also wonder if the lease options are worth it. Change cars more often that way.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Not proper off road, but we’ve been down a dirt track basically to the beach near the camp where the wife is. Two trips and only one puncture so far :rofl: Some of the guys have been out into the desert proper and gone camping. Hoping to get away without buying a car and just renting when we need it.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

I got my eye on the Infiniti QX60 4WD. Around 40k-50k GBP when converted. Hopefully get a bit knocked off in the sales :)

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

I saw many expats in KSA develop obsessions with big cars that they could not afford to run out of Kingdom. The "Mutawwamobile" was a great favourite. ie GMC "Jimmie"

This vehicle was much favoured by members of The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Suppression of Vice. (ie The Religious Police) Just a reminder that KSA is not California !

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevro...r_Cheyenne.jpg

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Yeah - Imagine as an 8 year old going from moving from the back seat of a GMC Jimmy to a VW Scirocco's

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Do you think I will be ok with this car?
https://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/i..._oem_3_815.jpg

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

As long as the aircon works I'm sure you'll be fine.

On a serious note, don't be getting carried away too soon. They're may be many factors that make your life in Saudi unbearable. You may not want to stay. I would put off making any major purchases until you're six months to a year in.

Just get a rental for a while until you get a feel for the place. An adequate Toyota or Hyundai etc will set you back around 2000 pm.

Something else to think about. Although driving standards have improved the past couple of years they're still terrible compared to the UK. I'd be wary driving anything of value around. Having the use of a car is great, as is not owning one personally.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

In my 17 years in KSA I drove for a few months. For me driving was too stressful and too dangerous. I arranged my life in such a way that did not need a car. However I can see that the OP is a petrolhead whose main reason for going seems to be that he can have a BIG car. I met many like him in the Kingdom. Different strokes for different folks !

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

I think that is sound advice. I would hate that situation but you are right. It's such an unknown and anything is possible

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

I can see how you got to that conclusion but you are quite wrong. I'm going because I am fascinated by the opportunity to prove myself at very senior level in a company, especially at my age, could indeed excel my career years early! Also, the financial opportunity to support my family back in the UK is a big enough reason in itself. What you don't know is that after suffering cancer and much more we lost our father and have spent nearly two decades on the welfare system. I'm one of 8 kids and our parents instilled the importance of education and hardwork.

So if I want to buy a nice car or two (wife and I) that I can comfortably afford then why not? It's sound advice to wait and not rush into it, which I will definitely heed. Rental to start and lets see where we are in Q2/Q3 2021.

Finally, just so you know, my first act when I get enough money is to buy my mum a nice car here in the UK. She's had a lot of bad luck with cars so I want to get her something really special.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Hey, how are things out there? Did you decide on where to stay long term?
I've been waiting on the Saudi Cultural Attache in the UK to attest my degree for over 3 weeks. No reply, no one picks up the phone or emails. Just a waiting game.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Hi. I’m in Al Nakhla. Facilities are good and it’s useful to be right next door to a big supermarket. Had a visit to Arizona - the layout of the villa is probably better than here for families and great if you like golf, but I’m fine with where we are for now.

It’s all good. Temperature is nice and we are off to Dubai next week. We are waiting to get a cabin in the wife’s camp which is where we’ll be for the long term, but not sure when that will be yet. Certainly more people around although they seem to be people returning rather than new ones, but I’m not sure what the visa situation is right now.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Sounds like you're having a nice time - happy to hear it.
I'm on the final stretch, just need UKSACB to attest the degree then it's medical and stamp and I fly. Interestingly, all this waiting around has meant another major player in the market got in touch about an even more senior role... Looks like the insurance industry is on a path of fast growth! Might see more UK based insurers lured out there.

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Hope they get it sorted soon!

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Good News!

I finally have my visa! Am due to fly on the 14th of December. Not long left now.

Lots to get ready. Anyone know much about the quarantine rules? And, how long it takes to get an Iqama right now?

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Two days quarantine, then after a negative test you are good to go. You’ll need a PCR test to fly too.

The wife should get her Iqama next week, but it’s a bit random. Some people she knows have been waiting months, although I’m not sure if that is an internal thing.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Hi, do you mind sharing the process on getting the visa from getting the job offer? What happens after?

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Hi Larry,

Of course. Below is my experience only. I believe if you have a govt role and not private the process can be different (less cumbersome). Hope the below helps. I intend to create a mini video series and share on YouTube so that other travellers/expats can benefit from the knowledge I have gained.

The below process occurs once you have signed a contract either in full or in part.

1. SAMA Approval - My new role is a senior position in Financial Services as a result I needed approval from SAMA (Saudi Financial Controller: Central Bank & Regulator).
For this process I had to fill in a Fit and Proper Form. This is a lengthy 16+ page form. Requires education and work history and then a series of conduct statements that you need to commit to i.e. I will not commit fraud etc...

2. Once that's been approved your employer can proceed with issuing you a detailed contract if not already done so. A copy of which needs to go to the Chamber of Commerce (I think) for stamping - this is needed later on.
2b. In addition to your work contract your employer will need the Saudi Foreign Ministry to approve the visa process - two separate documents.

3. You should now be in a position to apply for you Visa. New rules issued a few years back means this can only be done by Visa Agency. My employer recommended gulfvisa.com and I can say they were pretty good. Had a decent website with the steps clearly spelled out - I've copied those below. The actual order of doing things is different. it actually goes: 8/9/6/7 then the rest you just print and fill and send to take to them if you are near London.

1. Passport (must be valid for more than 6 months + two blank pages facing each other).
2. Three passport sized photos (must be recently taken + have a white background).
3. Complete the ‘Saudi Work Visa application form' (available on page 2 of our Pack).
4. Read and sign the Declaration form (available on pages 3 & 4 of our Pack).
5. We need your Saudi Work Visa Number and Saudi employer ID.
6. Police Certifice ACRO (see our Pack for more details and link to online form). The form must then be stamped by the British Foreign Ministry (FCO) and the Saudi Embassy - we offer this service.
7. Saudi Medical Form completed by a UK doctor (this involves some medical tests; either your GP or our doctor needs to fill the form on page 5 of the Pack). This form must then be stamped by the British Foreign Ministry and the Saudi Embassy - we offer this service.
8. A copy of your degree/certificate that relates to your Saudi Work Visa Job Title. IMPORTANT: University degrees must be stamped first from the Saudi Culture Attaché, then the Solicitor, FCO and finally the Saudi Embassy before we submit your Saudi Work Visa application to the Saudi embassy. Other documents only need Solicitor, FCO and then the Saudi Embassy. We offer these stamping services - click here.
9. A copy of your employment contract and if the Saudi employer is a private company it must be stamped from the Saudi Foreign Ministry.

Hints and Tips:

Step 8 Degree Attestation - Be ready to pull your hair out. Don't know why we are issued degree certificates if no one accepts them as proof of study. I digress. To attest your degree (if required) you need a copy to be stamped first by the Saudi Cultural Attaché (UKSACB). This is a painful process. To verify your degree they require your university to email then confirming:
- when you attended
- the course
- full or part time
- Campus/Non-Campus

Annoyingly, a lot of Universities now work with a third party HEDD, who manage these requests. The Saudi Cultural Attaché do no accept third party replies and universities will no longer issue them, catch-22. After a few days of useless back and forth I took it upon myself to email the Principle/COO of my University to step in. A University should open doors for their Alumni not close them. To their credit they replied the very next day. It then took the UKSACB in excess of 5 weeks to read an email. In fact I had to reach out to everyone associated with them on linked. Thankfully someone did and in a couple days my degree was stamped by UKSACB. Your degree then goes to the FCO, Solicitor and Saudi Embassy for attestation. This is done in a few days.

Step 9 Contract - Make sure your employer has had a copy of your contract stamped otherwise this step could add unwarranted delays. It's one of those steps that can be done in parallel with earlier steps.

Step 6 ACRO Certificate - This is a report of your criminal history. I paid for the expediated service and extra copy. One I had sent directly to GulfVisa and one for myself, just in case. I have no criminal records, not even a speeding fine so this was not an issue for me.

Step 7 Medical - The Saudi Govt require a specific medical to be carried out which includes a detailed Doctors examination (eye, hearing, breathing, movement, urine test for protein enzymes (liver health), A Blood Test for diseases and diabetes, and an x-ray for chest/back abnormalities. I used GulfVisa to arrange this at Harley Medical in London but other places do provide this service. I got my results in a couple days - Fit as a fiddle, thankfully.

With all the steps complete GulfVisa will submit all your documents to the Saudi Embassy for approval. I got my visa in just a couple days and my passport was posted back to me the very next day.

Hope that helps. This was all of memory. As I said I will create a video plus other useful bits about the whole expat process and hopefully others will benefit.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

That's perfect. Tawuniya are arranging for my PCR test on the 16th. How did you find the two apps they require you to download: Tawakalna and Tattamam?

The Fit-to-Fly certificate was a real pain. I fly Monday afternoon so to get a service that operated over the weekend was tricky and very costly. I have one, lets hope I test negative.

I've heard mixed reviews on the Iqama. I hope it doesn't take long because I am without my wife and son, and don't want it to take 3 months before I see them. I'll suck it up if it is but I hope not.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

Hi HB89,

Thank you for this. This is super helpful, appreciate it.
I got some questions on the each steps:

6. Police ACRO: what is this? do we need to go somewhere or is this all remotely done?
7. Saudi Medical Form: How long does the medical process take? (ie. submit the form, wait 2 days, go to a clinic with whole fam for the checkups?)
8. How time consuming is this? can I jump the jump to get this done before the offer? what is the cost of this and is it expense back?

Thank so much again.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

No problem, gad it was helpful.

6. This is an online form you fill in to request the ACRO report/certificate. It's a report on your criminal record i.e. have you ever been arrested/charged with a crime. GulfVisa put together a short document with all links to forms. Worth giving them an email [email protected].
7. Medical process takes 45min. Depends on waiting times. I first met the doctor who did his checks, then he pointed me towards the x-ray department and then finally I went to the phlebotomist for blood sample.
8. I don't think you can start the visa process without the pre-visa steps outlined. One of the letters your employer has to get stamped by the Saudi Labour Ministry is a letter instructing your degree attestation. So you'll need to wait for this. I would speak to GulfVisa and see what they say.

If you have a Govt based job you will be able to get your family a visa at the same time as your work visa. However, if it's like mine and you are working in the private sector you have to get a visa first. Fly out to Saudi. Apply for your Iqama and then apply for your family visa. I haven't gone through this latter process yet but will share my experience when I do. From what I read it's at least a couple months process.

Re: KSA Job Offer
 

The reason is simple: in the GCC there's loads of people (often Managers) who have used fake degree certificates to secure employment. Its that bad, that some countries such as Qatar no longer accept degree certificates from online or distance based institutions such as Open University - genuine degree or not. So you could argue a robust method of degree verification is required.

But I'm surprised the Saudi authorities haven't used a more easy/streamlined process. For example with Qatar and UAE, they require you get your degree certificate legalised by the FCO office first (if sending a photocopy then this needs to be stamped by a notary such as a solictor). You then send the original/photocopy certificate over to their respective Embassies/Consulates in London to get it stamped. That's it. The whole process takes about 2-3 weeks as I've done this myself a few times over the years.

https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised